Yes, pink-hued jade can exist, though such colors, particularly in jadeite, are often referred to as lavender in the trade.
Understanding Pink Jade: The Nuance of Color
Jade is a highly esteemed gemstone, celebrated for its diverse range of colors. While many immediately think of vibrant greens, this gem actually occurs in an impressive spectrum of hues. Among these, colors that some might perceive as pink can indeed be found, especially within jadeite, one of the two distinct mineral forms of jade (the other being nephrite).
The Spectrum of Jade Colors
Jadeite is known for its extensive color palette, which includes white, black, brown, red, orange, yellow, and various shades of green, blue, and violet. In certain rare instances, some jadeite material may exhibit a color that could be described as pink. However, it's important to note that in the gem trade, these particular pinkish or purplish hues of jadeite are commonly classified and marketed as lavender jade.
This distinction in terminology is crucial for understanding what "pink jade" refers to in the market. While the visual appearance might lean towards pink for some observers, the official trade term helps categorize and standardize the description of these specific color variations.
Why the Distinction Matters
The categorization of jade colors is not merely semantic; it affects how the stone is valued, traded, and understood by both gemologists and consumers. Labeling a stone as "lavender" rather than "pink" ensures consistency in the gem trade and reflects the unique chemical compositions and trace elements that give jadeite its specific coloration.
| Color Perception | Trade Term for Jadeite | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pinkish / Purplish | Lavender Jade | A delicate range of purple-pink hues, highly sought after and known for its soft, ethereal appearance. |
| Intense Green | Imperial Jade | Vivid, emerald-like green, considered the most valuable jadeite color due to its rarity and beauty. |
| Blue | Guatemalan Blue | Rare examples of blue jadeite do exist, notably from deposits in Guatemala, offering a unique and subtle coloration. |
| Creamy White | Mutton Fat Jade | An opaque, creamy white jade, often associated with high-quality nephrite but also found in jadeite, prized for its smooth, unctuous texture. |
Identifying Genuine Jade
When encountering "pink jade," it's always advisable to consider if the stone is genuine jade (either jadeite or nephrite) and if its color is natural or treated. Authentic jade, regardless of its specific hue, possesses distinct properties such as toughness, specific gravity, and refractive index that differentiate it from simulants or treated materials.
Key considerations for authentic jade include:
- Type of Jade: Determine if the stone is jadeite or nephrite. Both are real jade, but jadeite is generally rarer and often more valuable, especially in fine colors.
- Color Origin: Investigate whether the color is natural or enhanced through dyeing or other treatments. Naturally occurring colors are typically more valued in the market.
- Texture and Luster: Genuine jade exhibits a characteristic vitreous to greasy luster and a smooth, cool-to-the-touch texture.
In conclusion, while "pink jade" might not be a standard trade term, jadeite can naturally occur in colors that present as pinkish or purplish, and these are consistently known as lavender jade within the industry. So, yes, jade with pinkish tones is real and naturally occurring.
